Lower back pain affects up to 4 in 5 adults in Singapore. This is commonly caused by strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments in our back. Aside from muscular injury, slipped disc, degenerative disc disease, fractures, infection, and tumours are some other causes of low back pain.
Majority of the low back pain cases that we see in primary care are due to muscular injuries.
Some risk factors for developing low back pain include:
- Increased body mass index (BMI)
- Weak back muscles
- Poor posture
- Lifting heavy loads
To minimise risk of back pain, the following measures may be taken:
- Regular aerobic exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI
- Avoid prolonged sitting/standing
- Lifting heavy loads using strength from your legs
Treatment of lower back pain due to muscle strain is usually conservative with the aid of pain killers.
The class of pain killers usually prescribed are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include medications that you may be familiar with such as naproxen and arcoxia.
Taking a break from work which involves heavy lifting and prolonged standing will help with the recovery process. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided as this could lead to stiff and weakened back muscles which will be prone to injury subsequently. Go for a walk, cycle, or swim on your rest days to keep your muscles active.
If your pain is persistent despite taking adequate rest and analgesics, you may require further assessment and imaging studies.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, your back pain could be due to a more serious condition.
- Numbness and weakness in your legs
- Inability to control your bladder or bowel movements (eg. Constipation)
- Sharp shooting pains
- Pain that does not improve with rest
- Difficulty walking
If you are experiencing any symptom listed above, consult your doctor via AllyTele for medical advice.
We also offer a 1-hour functional training session for lower back pain. You may purchase your voucher from AllyStore.